TEXAS: Empty Towns About To Be Swallowed By A Monster

I visited these rural Texas towns: Thorndale, Bartlett & Holland.
Joe's Instagram: / joeysroadtrip
Travel Vlog 347

[@deedoeswhat]

My aunt lived in Bartlett. She passed 10 years ago this month. She lived and worked in the building you said that someone could hitch a horse to and it would look normal. When you looked in there, I recognized some of that stuff! The sign that read PJ's--That's her, Phyllis Jean. She had a hair salon in the front of that building, a "house" in the back, and apartment upstairs and, on the third floor, was her storage. I used to love to play up there. I would put on all her hats and scarves and I thought I was fancy! 😅I remember a big model of the Eiffel Tower that she bought in Paris. When I was probably 8 years old I thought that was the coolest thing ever. It was so strange seeing that on my TV screen. It made me a little teary-eyed.

[@MikeWangCoaching]

Very cool!

[@m.d.grimes1622]

Thanks for sharing, made me a little teary-eyed as well.

[@wildcard....4114]

Ty for sharing Beautiful Memories.💖🌹

[@jespergbh]

Thanks for sharing. A very touching memory and I could imagine the entire thing from your words. Sounds like she had a good life.

[@ES-qu1jd]

What is your family going to do with the property? It would be cool if you ran a business in the place.

[@janebrown3587]

The first thing that jumped out at me (and it's shocking to me) is that there is absolutely no trash anywhere. Not one random, wind-blown receipt, wrapper, etc. It's AMAZING! I looooooove watching your videos ❤ I'm a happy homebody, but can't get enough of your travels and narratives. Thank you 😊

[@sardu55]

Don't think they're any people there to make a mess or litter.

[@Rattlesnakecowboyboot]

When I first got my CDL I worked at a freight company that delivered things all around the Austin area. My second week I delivered a really expensive grill to a gentleman with a funny sounding German name out in Holland. It was around Christmas time in 2021 so it was pretty chilly outside. The cold combined with the quiet out there gave me such a serene feeling. That was my favorite route at that company. I’d hit Taylor, rockdale, whalburg, Holland, Bartlett, thorndale and a little bit of Georgetown. Really nice drive!

[@jorgejiminez-rk1uu]

A decade ago I was a mover based out of Lbk. We moved from there to pretty much anywhere people were willing to pay. Many times it was city to city, but often we had people getting out of the cities. I always loved unloading at the old country homes. We had one job in Slaton where a guy wanted an original British telephone booth moved from his basement. We had to call the entire football, and soccer team, for help lol. You won't get that in the city

[@manonfire3642]

What has happened to the USA? H. Ross Perot told us: when manufacturers leave the USA for other nations, the USA dies while other nations thrive.

[@PennyDouglas-yb7tg]

Like here in England government no good

[@SWATT101]

Almost like a conspiracy theory going on there

[@macrosense]

It has allowed certain Americans to make much bigger piles of wealth much faster. Thanks to Reaganomics they did not have to pay Cold War or actual war tax rates on it.

[@susanb4816]

Everyone laughed at him but he saw the coming horror. The jobs left but the money is still here in the form of investment property. When .01% hold 98% of the wealth, even other countries suffer. Time to take it back and that won’t happen without real change, not just rhetoric. The rich have succeeded in divide and conquer

[@andiman45]

sometimes its good having other countries thrive as they can buy our goods.

[@earlward4334]

LOVE THESE OLD FORGOTTEN PLACES

[@RandyFelts2121]

Hi Joe and Nicole. Down here in Corsicana a lady bought the old jail, and made a residence out of it. By the way Joe I watched the latest video by Nick Johnson. He wandered around a homeless camp in Alaska and a guy pulled a knife on him. Be very careful where you go bro.

[@KrisCortezInBrooklyn]

That's is actually really neat! Thanks for sharing that.

[@edwardmacintosh9476]

Sad to see these old towns in decay & almost shutdown mode. Such history being lost & really the spirt of the countries past being lost. But change is continuous everywhere. Look forward to your anniversary video. Tks & have fun .

[@kathywebb6606]

Your road trips are the best way ever to start a Saturday morning ❤️ Appreciate the beautiful shots of the old buildings especially.

[@BirdDogey1]

Texas is full of small farm towns that have been left behind.

[@johnm.5848]

As always Joe, tanks for taking us along for another journey. And BTW, the old bus 27:19 is a 1947 to 1948 AFC Brill. I recall seeing another one like it from another You Tuber's channel named Elderly Iron.

[@catlover614]

A wonderful video! I really love these rural towns, amazing old buildings, so much history and character! Lots of cats, too, awesome!! Very much looking forward to your anniversary video! Thanks so much, Joe and Nic.😊💖

[@wrisky]

Your travelogues are a treasure. Mass props to Joe & Nic for taking us along.

[@RobOlgatree]

Love seeing old Texas communities. Thanks Joe for taking us along

[@frankintx699]

Once again, Joe and Nic thanks for taking us on your tours. ❤👍

[@johanndillinger1048]

Once again a great video from you from Texas. Texas is great and interesting.Thank you for your great work. Joe and Nic forever 🇺🇲

[@AzKaraokeVic]

Really enjoy these videos. You have a good voice for the commentary and it is enjoyable for those of us who don't get the chance to travel to these small towns like you do.

[@gibsongayle823]

I am really looking forward to the big retrospective video that is coming next !! I enjoy watching your videos very much ! Thank you.

[@alexandralovesgoats3360]

Great video! Love the standing still of time in small towns. I can picture the horses being tied off. Appreciate learning about these towns. Great to see some kitties! Sad these towns may be demolished by the larger cities.

[@randyhewett2292]

105 west bell St there renting it for 2,150. 4/2 built 1914

[@mrfixit942]

the inside of house is nice..

[@ramonarodriguez149]

Very clean little towns.

[@Shell2014]

Perhaps because there is no one there leading the thug life

[@remover454]

Thanks for another video Joe !! Looking Forward to your next adventure. stay safe😊

[@KrisCortezInBrooklyn]

It's been a few since I've been able to sit down and watch ur channel m. But im going to he catching up and I'm starting with this new post from off the hot press. 🔥 Always thankful with your insight and educating us on these areas you take your time to go through. You and Nic are wonderful ppl. Lots of love. ❤😊

[@AzKaraokeVic]

105 W Bell in Bartlett is for lease, not for sale. Looks nicely restored though. $2150/mo.

[@tommyirwn131]

the video I've been waiting for

[@Deetroiter]

Back in the day, when the railroad was introduced and then Chicago and other cities in the north started processing cattle, other meats, etc...A LOT of Texas cities and towns started the march toward's their demise. That was the beginning of 'outsourcing' for Texas. Now with modern day 'everything' being outsourced to the rest of the world instead of doing it at home, this effect is happening all across the United States. There's a certain beauty to seeing the living history of these buildings but there's a lesson to be learned from it all, as well.

[@johnhart125]

I love these videos, travelled a lot in 70s across America, interesting to see how places chg ovrr yrs, sadly not better for most. Looking forward to next, Be safe.

[@limbiclove9487]

Health Care, Utilities and Transportation (gas for cars is a necessity) offset the low cost of living. What these towns lack is Health Care. What they can do is lobby for a regional Health Facility. It always amazes me why a state like Texas has such high utility costs.

[@andy9675]

105 W Bell is not for sale per Zillow. It’s for rent $2100 a month. It’s beautiful but pretty creepy on the inside. I found no for sale but it’s definitely listed for rent. 4 bed 2 bath.

[@cindytrayer4279]

I agree about the creep factor.

[@cathylamott259]

Good morning 🎉I love waking up too Joe and Nic road trips thanks so much for all you do please be safe🎉❤🎉😊

[@lindaburns4890]

That city looks sad spooky, and with no life, it its sad to see lots of places going down hill, since the pandemic everything has gone bad... Grettings to you and Nicole keep up the good work, I watch your videos from my beautiful State of Arizona USA 🇺🇸

[@edkiess6953]

This town is close enough to be a bedroom community for Austin/Temple. It'll be around for a long time. Let's take a look at it in another 5 years. I noticed that there was no trash in the streets, too. I'm an old fart and take meds which make driving difficult, so I have to live vicariously through your vids. Ed, Albuquerque.🤠

[@igavehimadollar3354]

Out in the cave Saturday night here in oz having a few cordials and saw you guys had a new video up perfect timing

[@susanb4816]

I invite you to consider touring canada. Most of us live along the border and you could do a lot of it in day trips if you didnt want to stay too long. We have so much in common, i think you would find it fascinating:)

[@stphinkle]

The Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad today is know known as Union Pacific after a couple of mergers with other railroads.

[@empressvogt]

My area used to be rural and ended up being a "planned community." A lot of old buildings/stuff is no longer around, and my childhood is gone. ):

[@WhittyPics]

Welcome home Joe and Nic

[@robertstutes2547]

I've been away from Texas for 11 years. Always enjoy your videos! I think there's a whole whole lot of development that can take place before Thorndale would be impacted. I could be wrong. There are several not-much-growth school districts you would pass through driving from Thorndale to Austin. But again - I've been away - so maybe change is faster than I realize.

[@juliehert]

You should have gone into Royer’s and eaten that food and read the walls in Round Top. It’s an artsy town. The pie and chicken-fried steak should not have been missed. The family Royer’s are a friendly group and a good reason to go to Round Top

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

I appreciate what you are doing to show the realities of small (and big) town life in America. Some of these places I've been to and others that I am unlikely to ever be able to see.

[@sheastinson2838]

Hey ! I live just down the road in Taylor. Cool beans 😎

[@mr.d8925]

Checked one of the main real estate sites, and most homes for sale are $350K and up. There was one house around $260K, and one $155K. Think Austin has already found the place!

[@starletsatori8933]

In my youth I rescued an old home that was about to fall down. Renovated and placed on the Historic Register for the fact that it was part of the Underground Railroad. I still daydream about fixing up those old towns. These Texas towns have some great old buildings !

[@BrunieStudios]

Look forward to your recap…💜💜💜

[@tamaradely7250]

The house in Bartlett was for rent 105 Bell Ave 4bd 2ba 19,000 sqft 2,150 mo. it was pretty, but spooky 👻👻👻

[@juliehert]

Thanks!

[@ronepperson3363]

Do all the people hide out when your in town, never see any people

[@MooseBme]

Cool, THANKS AGAIN SIR!

[@robertstutes2547]

If you ever wander through Snook, Texas (not too far from Bryan/College Station) don't miss the chicken fried bacon appetizer (with cream gravy) at Sodolak's. It should be on everyone's bucket list.

[@jlucasound]

Hi, Joe & Nicole!! 🥰🤩🌎🏚🏡🧱🪵🪨🍕🌭🥪🍔🍉❤👍

[@Atwater20]

Keep up the great work!

[@نممممم-ر5غ]

بلده جميله وهادءه على مايبدو تشكر سيدي.

[@joebehrdenver]

All those lovely, vacant buildings in downtown Thorndale and Bartlett. Some folks from Austin should migrate there with a bit of $$ and make them alive again.

[@dr.markevers8331]

Yeah, that’s happening, especially with Samsung going into Taylor.

[@joseleyva7578]

Hello from Brownsville Texas. I love this video. Sugestion u should visit Terlingua Texas. I visited like 10 years ago is a ghost town but very interesting. Years later I was watching unsolved crimes them the town of Terlingua came up it happens to on the show it has its own unsolved crime. I mean a lot of cities has things like that but I was surprised because I was there and the cite were this happened was or is still open. This mine town ghoss back to the 1800s is a cool ghost town.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

We're planning a trip to Terlingua this winter. Looking forward to it!

[@joseleyva7578]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip Good to hear that. I had a blast evendo is not a big develop town I love it. I think u guys are going to love it to. Thanks for responding.

[@darthwiizius]

These old villages just outside of growing cities could be well worth a punt for investors willing to restore repairable buildings down the high street and redeveloping the ruins into open spaces for re-purposing. When the edge of the city gets close enough there's a real chance the populations explode and bring these high streets to life again, and let's face it, who really wants to see everything as the tin carbuncles of modern retail builds eh?

[@dr.markevers8331]

With the massive Samsung fab getting built in Taylor (within 15 miles), these towns will not be recognizable in 10 years. See Hutto for an example.

[@chrisbodum3621]

I'm from the UK. Your video did make me smile and wonder.. "Looks like a lot of very old buildings". "and you can see the Austin Metro" "the tendrils of that metropolitan area moving out here" very old, lol. It's all relative, I suppose. Austin Metro was a UK car from the 80's/90's (not exactly a replacement for the Mini) Did the USA never lay down 'Green Belt' type planning for controlling urban sprawl ?

[@creativecyleste]

I did not know I wasn’t subscribed. I am now! Love your videos!

[@jasonroberts9357]

And we love you C.C. rider!

[@cowfrank]

I could have sworn i had subscribed, just did though.

[@Laura-nm3rn]

That house isn’t for sale. It’s for rent for $2150 a month.

[@2REAL2bFAKE]

This town reminds me of the Texas chain saw massacre or hills have eyes . Like where is everyone or just any one ?

[@richardolguin2250]

You were 10 miles away from me I live in Rockdale east of Thorndale

[@raymondfox4469]

That house at 105 W bell is for rent $2, 150 per month

[@AnnPhillips-e2k]

105 West Bell, Bartlett TX. Rental house. $2150.00 per month 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1914 sq ft.

[@maryflaherty7096]

Wondered why people live in towns where shops are abandoned. Like when you show us the houses there.

[@susanb4816]

105 west bell listed for rent at 2200$ a month! Zoiks!

[@chrismconnochie1279]

Keep on truckin` , always excellent!

[@jespergbh]

Well done sir :-) - What camera are you using?

[@eltinygarcia7358]

Hello,I hope someday you go to plainview Texas, I've seen you been close to there,you were in happy,tulia, Nazareth,I seen some other new KZbinr been there Decelarated travels his name, he's shown plainview few times.

[@stewartcarroll304]

For rent, $2150 per month

[@davidellis5141]

Thorndale looks like a location from The Walking Dead. Tread with caution.

[@ianplatt1375]

It's for lease not fir sale lovely house 😊❤

[@christyedwards8315]

The house is for lease a 4 bedroom 2100 a month

[@WhittyPics]

That house on west bell looks like it is for rent? $2150 a month. 1914 SF . I don't see anything saying it is for sale

[@bonesandbells]

The electric co-op monopoly that serves this area is a huge rip-off and many areas have Spectrum only for Internet, so not surprised on utilities. Have a place on Stillhouse Hollow Lake between Salado and Harker Heights and this area is growing fast. Salado is trying to figure out how to handle the growth and debt from previous corrupt local officials. It's also where the Temple-Killeen metro (500k people) and Austin are growing together.

[@susanb4816]

Time to buy in Thorndale. Perfect investment

[@billbray5995]

Been buying for years, waiting for Round Rock and Austin to move this way.

[@jeffraines414]

Hey Joey, what kind of camera are you using?

[@johnmiller6197]

The house on bell st is for rent....$2,150. a mo.

[@andiman45]

too many people drive...not enough walking to meet neighbours

[@TrustMe55]

I always think when I see these towns, why don’t they let the aliens from other countries inhabit these towns but I guess they want to head to the city because they are looking for jobs and livelihood just like the rest of us but maybe they could create some kind of industry

[@ordinaryworldow756]

105 West Bell 2150/month for rent

[@CosmicPrison]

Maybe it’s time for another trip to Louisiana.

[@karengreenlee4356]

W Bell property is FOR RENT at $2150 a month. 4 bedroom, 2 bath. Since you have been to every state in the country, what's your next plan?

[@catherinefrancis5827]

I love your videos 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🙏🙏🥰

[@gumotx]

You sold your house to take this trip? Please explain. Thanks!

[@ronnieperdue2977]

Should have been a cowboy born in Alabama my mom would have not mine she is long passed away now and dad he was a cowboy before he passed away love the history of these small towns 👍

[@blessiSwu]

Ohh yeaaahh ❤

[@TrustMe55]

It’s hard to believe those statistics where are the people? Where are they making their money?

[@curtiswarwick1459]

Temple, Belton, Austin metro. Retired people and commuters.

[@lindaburns4890]

Hope you could visit odessa texas, is small town...

[@armeswilli01]

Texas !

[@marktweet7395]

Possibly off er $500 for the whole town

[@KrimoGringo]

It looks like a fantom town where are the people 🤔 but it's beautiful 😊😊

[@brendawhisenhunt8444]

Im surprised that any old towns are left, near Austin...id rather live like this than have Austin eat up my town.

[@miguelcisneros6108]

Do you have to be retired to do exploring around the country?

[@falconwhitney]

Pleas tell me how people in a small town can earn over 100,000.00 a year? what jobs out there pay so well Nic???

[@bonesandbells]

The towns are still within commuting range for those that don't mind an hour commute to live in the country and it's more possible now with remote or partial remote work. The commuting costs would be high, but property taxes are often $10k+ in the Austin metro on just a median value home.

[@kenskopp]

These towns are not interesting. They are desolate and why are people living there.

[@claudebyrd2536]

I remember Clinton saying how good this was going to be good for America hmm

[@davesbainrps6909]

Dying towns of America

[@ImLisaMoore]

you coud've used your platform to help those people that wanted you to read this. You shouldve read it to all of us. YOU FAILED. You scampered away like a ROACH

[@FrankieB119]

THIRD!

[@KrisCortezInBrooklyn]

2:05 maybe a local can help us out but it seems like they are doing alot of renovating in that area. Yeah? No? Its super quiet there so that made me think that too besides the look of fixing up. Good stuff.

[@jlucasound]

Gee, how come you don't go peek in the Bank windows? 🤣🥷😂🦝😧😥🏦🚓 👀🙀❤